My dog Barney lived to age 20, after being diagnosed with Cushion’s Disease at the age of 14, and given 6 months to live. The doctors were amazed. When I had brought him in to see the vet, his stomach was very swollen. When I returned with him a few months later, the doctor said his stomach had returned to normal. What had I done? I had stopped feeding him dog food and started feeding him the way I fed my family, with good wholesome food. I do not buy any processed foods. I do not buy any foods with artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or MSG products in it. I serve only natural, organic when possible, cooked from scratch food, and now, this was what Barney was eating too. He had turkey, beef, organic chicken, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, green beans, peas, apples, and yogurt (plain with no additives). I also gave him vitamins, herbs, and some homeopathic remedies.

Barney, age 19

I had other pets who lived to ripe old ages too. Tabby, 18; Jessie, 19; Tiger,20 (all cats) and Duke, a shepherd, Doberman mix, 16. If you would like recipes that I feed my dogs, and to learn of other things that I have done which I believe have helped my pets to “live long and prosper”, I will email you a full report for $10.00.

Those long, white streams of persistent, cloudy haze commonly blasted into blue skies by unmarked airplanes are not your typical contrails, says Swedish Green Party leader Pernilla Hagberg. As reported by the Swedish paper Katrineholms Kuriren, Hagberg, the first major political leader to come forward on the issue, has openly admitted that these unusual cloud trails, which fail to dissipate like normal contrails do, are actually a toxic mix of chemicals, viruses, and metals that she has collectively referred to as “chemtrails.”

According to Hagberg, the sprayings are a joint endeavor by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), as well as the Swedish government in her own country, to modify atmospheric conditions via deliberate aerosol spraying efforts. And included in this “dangerous” mix of aerosols are various chemical components, viruses and viral fragments, and metals such as aluminum and barium, which have already been shown to be accumulating in water supplies and soils around the world. (http://chemtrails.cc/)

Normal contrails, which are composed of mere water vapor that quickly dissipates after emission from jet engines, are far different from chemtrails, which gradually blanket the entire sky in a sea of white. The following video, put together by the FreeTruth Show, a YouTube-based radio broadcast, contains some imagery of what these chemtrails typically look like in the sky:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AykLfHtM_3M&feature=youtu.be

“It is great to see a politician bringing public attention to this issue and helping add to the credibility of this cause in the mainstream,” writes JG Vibes for The Intel Hub about Hagberg’s unprecedented public admission. “Unfortunately, this is a political problem that requires many non-political solutions.”

Spraying the skies to save the planet?

Interestingly, the United Nations (UN) and various Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-backed groups have recently been forced to admit that such sprayings are taking place, and that the emitted particles are not normal contrails. But their excuse for why chemtrail sprayings are being done is that they will somehow save the planet from the devastating effects of so-called “global warming,” that ever-present, pseudoscientific environmental theory that is often used as justification for all sorts of outlandish policy proposals. (http://www.globalresearch.ca)

In the case of chemtrails, everything from blocking the sun in order to lower the earth’s average temperatures, to deliberately shifting weather patterns for the purpose of offsetting the allegedly melting polar ice caps, have been used as excuses for trying to legitimize the seeding of our skies with a cornucopia of poisons. And if re-elected to another term, Hagberg says she will continue to fight such chemtrailing efforts in her own country, which she says have been co-opted by the Swedish government.

Stress and fatigue. Judging from the proliferation of coffee and cupcake shops popping up these days, clearly caffeine and sugar are what a lot of folks are using to try to fight back. The problem is, they don’t actually work. Sugar and caffeine do offer a quick lift, but the crash is never far behind – so it’s back to Starbucks to start the cycle again, turning your day into a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. Fortunately, there are healthier ways to get through the day – and one of my favorites is with “adaptogens,” the special herbs that help your body adapt to stress and resist fatigue. Here’s my adaptogens-at-a-glance guide:

Adapta-what?

Adaptogens are a unique group of herbal ingredients used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress. They help strengthen the body’s response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue – slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. Though the effects may initially be subtle and take time to make themselves felt, they’re real and undeniable.

Where have they been all my life?

Unlike big pharma drugs, adaptogens weren’t born yesterday. In fact, they’ve been used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, to boost energy and resilience in the face of stress. Recently, several studies have found evidence to support what those of us in the sustainable wellness field already knew – that adaptogens offer positive benefits —and are safe for long-term use. (Take that big pharma!)

How do adaptogens work?

Adaptogens work a bit like a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high it brings it down; when the temperature is too low it brings it up. Adaptogens can calm you down and boost your energy at the same time without over stimulating. They can normalize body imbalances. By supporting adrenal function, they counteract the adverse effects of stress. They enable the body’s cells to access more energy; help cells eliminate toxic byproducts of the metabolic process and help the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently. In short, adaptogens are amazing!

Which adaptogens should I use?

I prefer combination adaptogenic herb formulas and the adaptogen herbs I consider most important include Asian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Ashwaghanda and Rhodiola Rosea. Depending on your needs and physical condition – consult your doctor before taking any herbs and see cautions below – you can take these adaptogens individually or in a combination formula like my Be Well Adaptogens. When buying a formula, look for one that has at least 3 of the above adaptogens and make sure it has some Rhodiola in it. Again, remember consult your doctor first to get the all clear before you start.

Asian Ginseng

For thousands of years, Asian Ginseng has been one of the most valued (and expensive) medicinal plants in the world. It’s believed to affect the body by influencing metabolism within individual cells, and it has been studied extensively for its ability to help the body withstand stress. Western herbalists say that it restores and strengthens the body’s immune response, promotes longevity, and enhances the growth of normal cells. Research indicates that it promotes a sense of well-being and may protect against some kinds of cancer.

Dose: 100-200 mg per day of a standardized extract. Most standardized ginseng extracts supply approximately 4-7% ginsenosides. Or 1-2 grams per day of the dried, powdered root, usually taken in gelatin capsules.

Caution: At the recommended dose, ginseng is generally safe. Occasionally it may cause agitation, palpitations or insomnia. Consuming large amounts of caffeine with large amounts of ginseng may increase the risk of over-stimulation and gastrointestinal upset. If you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure should be monitored when taking it. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Eleuthero

Eleuthero is used in traditional Chinese medicine for muscle spasms, joint pain, insomnia, and fatigue. In Germany, its use is approved for chronic fatigue syndrome, impaired concentration, and convalescing after illness. Western herbalists note that it improves memory, feelings of well-being and can lift mild depression.

Dose: 2-3 grams per day of the dried root.

Caution: As with Asian ginseng, Eleuthero is generally safe. But occasionally it has been associated with agitation, palpitations or insomnia in patients with cardiovascular disorders. If you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure should be monitored when taking it. I generally don’t recommend it for pregnant or breastfeeding women, even though limited research hasn’t turned up evidence of harmful effects in the fetus.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Like Asian ginseng, ashwagandha is used to help increase vitality, energy, endurance and stamina, promote longevity, and strengthen the immune system. Today, herbalists often recommend it for people with high blood pressure, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and impotence associated with anxiety or exhaustion. It enhances endocrine function, especially the thyroid and adrenals. Ayurvedic healers have long prescribed the herb to treat exhaustion brought on by both physical and mental strain.

Dose: 3–6 grams per day of the dried root

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy or if you are taking sedatives or if you have severe gastric irritation or ulcers. Also people who are sensitive to the nightshade group of plants should be careful.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea acts like a hormone thermostat, especially as it pertains to cortisol, one of our main stress hormones. I believe that cortisol, which is secreted in sync with your circadian rhythms is usually, if not always, out of whack when you’re stressed out and exhausted. This means the cortisol level is either too high when it should be low or not high enough when we need more. Getting your cortisol back in rhythm when you’re compromised is crucial and Rhodiola literally helps balance the cortisol levels in your body, raising or lowering it as needed. That’s why this herb is particularly useful for treating my stressed out clients! What’s more, rhodiola has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support cellular energy metabolism. It positively affects brain function, depression, and heart health. In my experience, most patients who take rhodiola start feeling better within a few weeks to a month.

Dose: 200 to 600 mg per day of a Rhodiola rosea extract standardized to contain 2-3% rosavins and 0.8-1% salidroside. Or 2-3 grams per day of the nonstandardized root.

Caution:Avoid if you have manic depression or are bipolar. Rhodiola is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although it’s unusual, at high doses rhodiola can cause insomnia.

In February of 2009, I got my kids a pet parakeet, which we named Twitter. This was a special bird, and warmed to my family right away. He was blue, white and grey, very distinctive looking. His wings had been clipped so he could flap around but couldn’t sustain prolonged flight. We gave Twitter a lot of freedom to explore our apartment, knowing he’d return to the comfort of his cage soon enough.

On Dec. 27 that year, Twitter escaped from our third floor apartment when my 10-year-old son left the sliding door to our deck open for a few minute. A family search of the apartment complex yielded nothing.

I posted a “missing bird” sign in the clubhouse, offering a $50 reward, and there was a confirmed sighting of Twitter a couple of days later. Based on that tip, I spent the next three weeks searching the complex for the elusive blue bird. Despite a hard winter and heavy snowfall, I continued to search. I even perched his cage with food and treats on top of a bush near where he’d been last seen.

Given the harsh conditions, I finally came to the conclusion that we’d never see Twitter again. My son, missing the bird and feeling guilty, said he hoped Twitter found someplace good to live. I smiled and lied that I was sure he did. We moved on and bought another parakeet, a more traditional green and yellow one which was never as sociable as Twitter.

Flash forward to June 29, more than six months later. Walking to the apartment complex pool, I saw a little Asian girl carrying a birdcage. I knew this girl because she rode my son’s bus to school, and asked if I could see her bird. I was just being friendly. Imagine my shock when I saw a blue, white and grey parakeet! I asked where she got the bird, and she said it flew onto her second floor deck in December. I said, “This is my bird.”

We walked to her apartment, which was on the other end of the same building I lived in, where I spoke with the girl’s mother. Her younger brother said if it was my bird, they should return it to me. I offered them a reward. The girl asked me a list of questions to confirm that I was, in fact, the rightful owner. Questions like, “Does he talk?” (No) “Does he let you pet him?” (Yes). Finally, the kids and their mom walked back to my apartment, where I showed them a photo of Twitter with my daughter hanging on the wall, and introduced them to our replacement bird. Any doubt was eliminated.

I’d silently been planning to give them a $20 reward, but the little girl was a shrewd negotiator. She told me just about every dollar she’d received for her birthday was spent on supplies for the bird. I almost felt like she was shaking me down. Eventually, she accepted a $30 reward (ransom?), and let me borrow the cage until I could put the two birds together in a single cage.

A short while later, I called my son at his mom’s house to tell him I had found Twitter. There was a long silence, then bawling. He was so happy, and I suspect, relieved and a little vindicated.

I felt like I saw something come back from the dead. This bird which I had written off in mid-January had been living happily in our building for the previous 6 months, unbeknownst to us. I’ve since started calling Twitter “Miracle Bird.”

This natural. unprocessed cookie is easy and quick to make. It’s delicious and quite filling. It’s health benefits are, the molasses offers high vitamin-B and iron content. The oatmeal offers heart-healthy fiber and olive oil is the best oil you can use to help keep your Omegas balanced.

Many years ago, I visited a shelter to find a dog. As I went from cage-to-cage, I saw many friendly ones and some shy ones, but the one that stood out most to me was a little poodle mix who was elderly and blind. I felt that no one would want him, so he was the one for me. The shelter, very kindly described me as a “saint” and decided that they should waive the adoption fee. They were nice. Looking back, it is interesting that they used the word “saint’ but they should have used it to describe the dog because he taught me many life lessons. That tiny, old dog had a spirit and a will larger than life. I decided to call him “Lamb Chop” after Shari Lewis’s puppet. “Undaunted” would be a great word to describe his spirit. Though he couldn’t see and was up in years, he never let that stop him. I really should have called him “Mr. Magoo” because, like the cartoon character, his lack of sight had him involved in a ton of near misses and dilemmas. Like the time he managed to find a hole in the fence and wandered out into the street . Just about the time he hit the middle of the road a pickup truck was headed right for him. My son swooped in and snatched him up. Even after we thought we had the fence fixed, he still got out once and wound up at the dog pound. I had to bail him out. Occasionally, he would fall off the front porch and once, he almost got clobbered by a large can when I was fixing dinner, when it fell off the counter and landed right next to him. The worst calamity he got himself into, however happened after a generous rainfall. My son and I were out in the yard and I couldn’t find him anywhere. We searched until I spied the top of his head slightly protruding from a batch of quick sand like sand at the side of my house. I was horrified. I called for my son to bring the hose and I pulled him slowly out of the muck and mire and my son washed him off. Thankfully, he was ok. He never seemed ruffled by his mishaps. He just got right back up and did what he wanted to do. We actually had him a few years, though the vet at the shelter didn’t think he would last more than a few months. Right up until the end, he lived his life and just kept going.

My Uncle Jack and I during happier times. He was demonstrating his pitching ability. In his right hand he held a autographed Phillies baseball.

by Andrea Hartley

My father’s brother, Jack, was my favorite relative. He was a kind and gentle man. As a small child, I was about to kill a fly in the back seat of our car. He said, “Live and let live.” My 6 year old mind was astounded by that concept. I pondered that from time-to-time over the years. I remember him most as the one person who gave me unconditional love when I was growing up. Uncle jack lived a 2 hour drive from our house so he only came to visit a few times a year. When he came he always stayed overnight and I was always devastated when he left. When I was 18 he lay in a hospital bed dying of cancer and my father would not let me go to visit him. My father must have felt that he wanted to spare me the pain; but I hated not being there for Uncle Jack. Despite my protests, my Dad refused to allow me to go. He was very strong-willed and not someone that I could easily defy. He also didn’t allow me to go the funeral. For years I was haunted by the fact that I couldn’t be there for my beloved uncle. What must he have thought? I pictured him lying there, wanting to see me one last time. Did he think because I was grownup now that I had forgotten him or that somehow my love had diminished? When I was 34, I decided to go to the cemetery. I would go there and pray to God that I could be heard by my uncle and that I could explain how much I love him and why I wasn’t there when he needed me. My husband drove the two hour trip and when we reached the cemetery we were shocked to see the number of graves. We had never seen such ha huge cemetery. Thousands and thousands of graves on both sides of the major highway we were traveling. Who even knew which side of the highway that we would be? We knew it would be imperative to speak with the caretaker; but we were disappointed to learn that since it was Sunday, he was off duty. In desperation, I called my father to see if he could give me some indication of where the grave might be. “Oh no,” he said. “I can’t remember. I’m afraid you will never be able to find it.” When I told him would, he said, “Don’t be crazy, it would be impossible to find it without the caretaker.” My husband agreed. My response was, “God didn’t let me finally get here and come all this way to not accomplish what I have wanted to do for 15 years.” I instructed my husband to turn in at the gate on the side of the road that we were driving and just drive until I told him to stop. He looked at me like I had lost it, but did as I asked without a word. I prayed, “God please lead me.” It wasn’t a prayer from my head, but a prayer that I felt deep in the center of my being. Then, I just listened. We drove a short distance and I felt that it was time to stop. I got out of the car alone and began walking, praying the same way. I wondered for a few moments and then discovered to my surprise that my grandmother’s grave was right before me. I had never met my grandmother but there was her grave, so I prayed. I also felt that Uncle Jack may be nearby. I continued walking and a moment later, I found it. I dropped to the ground. As I knelt there crying, I poured out my heart to Uncle Jack. As I continued I could feel my husband standing behind me. Though he did not touch me, his presence was very comforting. I knew the car was within a short distance and he must have saw that I found Uncle Jack and came to be there with me in support. After I finished all that I wanted to say and felt relieved. I paused a moment. Then, at peace I stood up to turn to face my husband, but to my shock, he wasn’t there. When I got back to the car I asked him why he had left me there and came back to the car. He replied that he had never left the car. At that moment I was flooded with peace, joy and gratitude. I knew that not only did God lead me to find my Uncle’s grave against all odds, let me find my grandmother’s grave as an extra bonus, but he also allowed Uncle Jack’s spirit to be there, standing behind me and hear everything I had said. How great is that?

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine oat flour, oats, salt, baking soda and cinnamon; set aside.
With an electric mixer mix the brown sugar and peanut butter on medium speed until light in color and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla, scraping down the sides as needed.
Fold in the oat flour, oats, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Slowly add the almond milk in a steady stream, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries. Use your hands to make sure everything is combined.
Once dough is completely combined, transfer and press it lightly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 17-20 minutes until the bars are lightly golden and set. Allow to cool completely and cut into squares.
**Keep in the refrigerator in a covered container. Bars will be good stored up to 2 weeks. However, I don’t think they will last long since they taste so good!

My journey thus far…I was born in New York, moved to New Jersey and then ended up in Allentown, PA. I come from a huge family. Thanks to my parents I have been surrounded by all types of food and cultures throughout my life. Being Dominican and Irish (amongst other nationalities) I grew up eating Latin and Irish cuisine just to name a few. Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love food. It wasn’t until I came home from college (where I gained more than the freshman 15) that I started learning more about nutrition and exercise. I have been in the fitness industry for 17+ years both personally and in business. Over the years, I worked in sales in different capacities; advertising, marketing, travel, and as a counselor at a weight loss facility. My last position as Sales Director for a gym franchise led me into my real passion, nutrition. As a mother of two wonderful children, it is important to me that I instill in them proper eating habits. I have turned my love of food into learning and understanding more about it. People come up to me at the gym and ask for advice all of the time. So, after much contemplation, I decided to turn my passion about nutrition and exercise into my career and got certified. The biggest lesson learned is that it’s not just about food but about a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to help people feel better about themselves, inside and out no matter the age. I work with children, teens, adults, and seniors. In addition, I offer specialized plans for those with Heart Disease, Celiac Disease, and Diabetes. All sessions are confidential.